New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-03-09
MEMBERS UNDER PRESSURE.
EFFECT OF THE CAUCUS ON HIGH LICENSE
CHANCES OF rnE CROSBY BILL-EFFoRTs TO DIM
ITS PROSPECTS.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE

CHANCES OF The CROSBY BrLL-EryoRrs TO DIM
IT'S PROSPECTS.
[BY TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUNE
ALBANY, March S.-The enemies of the High
License bill were striving to dim its bright prospects
to-day by saying that the Republicans in their caucus
last night did not make the party Thus
is said notwithstanding the fact that Asssmb yman
Crosbys motion that the bill be made party measure
was adopted by the caucus by vote of ga to t. 1t
would be proper to say that the bill was made
party measure with the knowledge that some OF the
Republicans who attended the caucus would not be
bound by that decision If they felt inclined to dsre-
yard 1t. These opponents OF the bill. however, were
few in number tar fewer than expected and the
effect OF the decision to increase the num-
Der OF Republicans who Will vote for the bill. Several
members who undecided before in their op MON
OF the bill said today that the decision
nearly unanimous in favor OF the measure that they
telt bound 10 respect IL. The statement that the
action not binding originated in tho fact
that some OF the Republican Senators and Assembly
in their speeches in favor Of the bill expressed
their regret that few Republicans from the cities
the State would lot be bound by the action OF the
caucus. Mr.. Erwin especially expressed this view
while appealing to every Republican to vote for the
bill Mr. Erwin said that il was plain that some of
the Republicans nom the cities would not obey the
will OF the and In harmony with their
cates This fact he much regretted. and he yet hoped
that they would vote tor the bill
Assembly man Crosbys motion 10 make the bill a
party may have been slightly qualified by
speeches OF this tenor, but only slightly. Assembly
man Sweet OF the tour Republicans who voted
against Mr.. Crosbys motion, said TO night nm not
opposed uncompromisiugy 10 tho High License bill.
only voted against the motion because believed that
no Republican should be forced to act against his
Judgment, il possibly his judgment against the
bill. | favored making the bill apply TO the whole
State"
Assemblyman Msse, another OF the four Republicans
who opposed tho BILL did 40 because he also favored
the more radical measure OF applying the bill to the
entire State His friends say that Il ere is no auction
about his finally voting for the bin will Assem-
bymau Plntt. no voted against Mr. Crosbys motion,
vote against the bill.
AsseIn5lymen Charles Smith. OF Neg-York and
Reitz, OF Brooklyn, will vote against the bill They
from districts crowded with LIQUOR saloons Il
is the opinion of the leading Republicans that the
chances VI the bill passing were increased nv the hold
ing OF the The doubtful Republicans seeing
such hearty sentiment OF their party in favor OF the
bill. we're brought over TO the support OF the
Assemblyman Burns, OF Westchester County. never
oil the doubtful menoers. ont he Understands
the feeling OF these men. IL said 10 night:
" come from Democratic Assembly District and
Republican majority small. he liquor dealers
sent a circular last tall asking II ] would
against highcense bill II should be elected
member OF the Assembly. replied that would not
that question. believing that member of the
assembly should not pledge his vote on any matter
TO defeat me. took my stand question OF princl-
pie aud the people OF my district sustained and elected
| shall take my stand for principle aud |
shall vote for this bill. 1t may defeat me. but
should vote according to his convictions in the Lexis
ature and risk the consequences. The other Repub-
IN close dt-trcts m my opinion should risk the
wrath of the quor dealers and vote tor this bill II
they would do so [ the people would sustain
them. From E:y conversation with the Republicans
from these districts am Of the opinion that they wall
regard the action OF the last night binding
upon them They will act upon fiDcple and v~te Tor
the bill In opinion the decision the caucus has
n1nenced iavorably that of several Republican
hers who inclined at least OF pose the bill tor
time. The proportion the Republicans who favor
tho bill Il 80 la that the pressure every doubt
ful man Is tremendous. do not believe many OF them
will dare 10 vote against the BILL